We are pleased to announce that the NATO Quality Assurance Forum 2026 will be hosted by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Centre of Excellence (EOD COE), and will take place in Bratislava, Slovak Republic, on Tuesday 13 October and Wednesday 14 October 2026. The Forum will be conducted in person, starting at 09:00 on 13 October and concluding after lunch on 14 October. Registration is between 08:00 and 09:00. The conference venue is the Hotel Park Inn by Radisson Danube Bratislava (Rybné námestie 1, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovak Republik).
The QA Forum serves as a platform for enhancing cooperation and the exchange of best practices among institutionally accredited Education and Training Facilities (ETFs), aspiring participants in the NATO QA Programme, and HQ SACT. It supports interoperability, strengthens the NATO QA Community of Interest, and helps shape the Quality Assurance Programme of Work (POW) for 2027 and beyond. The save the date letter can be downloaded using the link above.
Event Registration
All attendees must register by 10 September 2026 via the QA Hub using the following link that will forward to EOD COE's event registration platform. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
Key Objectives
- Foster networking and synchronization within the QA Community of Interest.
- Share Lessons Identified and Lessons Learned from on-site (re)accreditations.
- Showcase Best Practices from across the NATO QA landscape.
- Present major upcoming projects and challenges in NATO Education & Individual Training (E&IT).
- Conduct syndicate work on topics of interest.
- Receive updates from the NATO Quality Assurance Specialist Programme (NQASP) Manager.
Target Audience
The target audience includes QA Managers or Heads of QA Teams from institutionally accredited ETFs or institutions preparing for (re-)accreditation. Due to space constraints, each ETF is limited to one (1) participant, with additional seats available upon request and subject to availability after the registration deadline.
Travel and Logistics
Participants are advised to arrive in Bratislava on 12 October by using Vienna Airport (AUT). Transportation from Airports to the venue will NOT be provided by the host. The conference Hotel offers accommodation on site (pre-negotiated rate is available for bookings until 30 September 2026 for 125€ per night by using booking code QAF2026); additional options are available in hotels in central Bratislava.
Administrative Notes
- Icebreaker Event: 13 October, 18:00
- Meals: Lunch and refreshments are hosted by EOD COE; dinner at own expense
- Dress Code: The expected attire for:
- Civilian & military participants is civilian Business-Formal or Semi-Formal (jacket and tie for men, appropriate business attire for women).
- The Icebreaker is Business Casual or Cocktail.
- Visa Requirements: Non-EU attendees must check with their national authorities
- NATO Travel Order: Recommended for all NATO military/civilian personnel
- Security Classification: NATO Unclassified
Contribute to the Forum
ETFs interested in presenting or showcasing best practices should notify the HQ SACT QA Team no later than 7 August 2026, with presentations to be submitted by 28 September 2026.
Stay Updated
This webpage will be updated regularly with:
- Draft Agenda
- Draft NATO QA Programme of Work 2027
- Practical travel and accommodation tips
Please do not forget to check in detail the administrative instructions attached to the Calling Letter.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of the HQ SACT QA Team of Experts, or alternatively use the contact form.
